ACT I
(Scene.—A large room in Leonarda
FALK’s house. At the back, folding doors
which are standing open. Antique furniture.
Leonarda, dressed in a riding-habit, is standing
beside a writing-desk on the left, talking to her
agent Pedersen.)
Leonarda. It is a complete loss.
Pedersen. But, Mrs. Falk—
Leonarda. A loss, every scrap of it. I can’t
sell burnt bricks. How much is there of it?
Two kilns’ full, that is 24,000 bricks—
at their present price about thirty pounds’ worth.
What am I to do with you?—send you about
your business?
Pedersen. Madam, it is the first time—
Leonarda. No, indeed it is not; that is to say,
it is certainly the first time the bricks have been
burnt, but your accounts have been wrong over and
over again, so that I have been led into sending out
faulty invoices. What is the matter with you?
Pedersen. Madam, I beg—.
[Enter Hans.]
Hans. Your horse is saddled, madam, and the General
is coming up the avenue.
Leonarda. Very well. (Hans goes out.) Have
you taken to drink,
Pedersen?
Pedersen. No, madam.
Leonarda. That wouldn’t be like you.
But what is it? You look quite changed.—Pedersen!
I believe I know! I saw you rowing back across
the river last night, from the summer-house in the
wood. Are you in love? (Pedersen turns away.)
So that is it. And crossed in love? (She goes
up to him, puts her hand on his shoulder and stands
with her back turned to the audience, as he does.)
Are you engaged to her?
Pedersen. Yes.
Leonarda. Then she is not treating you well?
She is not true to you? (Stoops and looks into his
face.) And you love her in spite of it? (Moves away
from him.) Then you are a weak man, Pedersen.
We cannot possibly love those who are false to us.
(Draws on one of her gloves.) We may suffer horribly
for a while; but love them—no!
Pedersen (still turning away from her). It is
easy for those to talk who have not experienced it.
Leonarda. Experienced it?—You never
can tell that. Come to me this evening at seven
o’clock.
Pedersen. Yes, madam.
Leonarda. I will talk things over with you then.
We will go for a stroll together.
Pedersen. Thank you, madam.
Leonarda. I believe I may be able to help you
in your trouble, Pedersen. That is all right—don’t
think any more about the bricks, or of what I said.
Forgive me! (Holds out her hand to him.)
Pedersen (grasping her hand). Oh, madam!
[Enter general Rosen.]
Rosen. Good morning! (Pedersen crosses the
room.) Bless my soul, Pedersen, you look like a pat
of melting butter! (Pedersen goes out. Rosen
turns to Leonarda.) Have you been playing father
confessor so early in the morning, and on such a fine
day too? That is too bad.—By the way,
have you heard from Aagot?
